WordPress is a very popular blogging tool and content management system. One probable reason is that it is open source and free. Another reason is its plugin architecture allows users to easily extend features. Its core installation is not only free from any effects of the plugins but the basic application becomes more powerful, thus giving more value to the user. Bloggers and content managers now can use the same application to manage projects with project management plugins. Also, people who are more familiar with using WordPress can easily extend the application to handle their PM needs rather than buy expensive or overly complicated PM systems.
Top 5 WordPress Project Management Plugins
Below are five of the most recent and relevant wordpress project management plugins that provide PM features and functions.
1. WP Project Manager Pro
WP Project Manager Pro is a leading WordPress plugin specifically for project management. The author describes it as similar to having Basecamp inside WP. The core version of the plugin has been updated in May 2014 and is compatible up to WP version 3.9.2. It has been downloaded over 30,500 times, with more than 200 times last week. The Pro version is packaged as for Single site, Business, or Enterprise. Some features included in the Pro version are project permission, archiving, templates, privacy in message, to-do, and milestone, project category, filter by category, calendar overview, project front-end, forum support, and priority support for the Enterprise package. Read our Review.
2. WP-Client Pro with PM Extension
WP-Client PRO is a very popular business application plugin. The premium version of the plugin is fully compatible with WordPress 4.0. The plugin is updated every few weeks with new features and improvements. What is interesting is a new premium PM extension that extends the client management and billing functions to include internal staff, freelancers and projects into the workflow. Users can now take control of internal processes and workflows, share details and progress of tasks, milestones and projects as they are completed. It requires the WP-Client core plugin, an up-to-date subscription, and a one-time purchase of the project management extension. Read our Review.
3. SP Client Document & Project Manager
SP Client Document & Project Manager is a file management and document collaboration system that provides an easy way to upload, organize, track, and share project documents. It has been updated on September 18, 2014. It requires core version 3.9 and is compatible up to core version 4. It has been downloaded more than 39,700 times. It offers a free and a premium version, with positive comments on the support from users who bought the premium version.
4. TaskFreak!
TaskFreak! free plugin is a WP version of an open source web application of the same name. The plugin allows users to create projects and tasks, assign rights to users and then assign tasks to them. The administrator then can follow their progress through status. It also allows attachments and comments to the tasks, which can all be viewed from mobile devices. It was last updated on August 28, 2014, compatible with WP up to versions 3.9.2. Users have downloaded it 7100 times.
5. Orbis
Orbis is another business application plugin. It was updated on March 28, 2014. It is compatible with up to version 3.8.3. It has project management as well as CRM and intranet features. Its core features allow creation and management of projects, persons, companies and comments. It can be further extended with other plugins such as Orbis Tasks and Orbis Timesheets. Users have downloaded it over 3300 times but still no feedback in terms of ratings or reviews is available yet.
WordPress Updates and Versions
Since WordPress is primarily a free content management system, those who use it for more than just blogging purposes have to also rely on their own efforts, with the help of the community, to keep their websites updated. Historically, a major WordPress release happens every six months or so. For example, version 3.5 was released in December 2012 and version 3.6 was released in August 2013, with two minor releases in January 2013 and June 2013. However, version 3.7 was released on October 24 and less than two months after, version 3.8 was released in December 12, 2013.
The significance of these release dates is about the compatibility of the plugins. Some points to consider when using plugins are the time since they have been updated, what core version are they compatible with, are they still being actively developed, or are people in the WP community discussing them positively (or negatively). It is generally safe to say that the most recent plugins or the most updated will be compatible with the latest core versions. Still, users should remain vigilant to monitor any updates or be caught unaware with serious consequences.
Conclusion
WordPress version 3.9, as scheduled, was released in April 2014. Five months after, version 4 has been released on September 4, 2014. Many plugins continue to come out and we try to update this article for news of PM features in plugins you may be looking for. As a community, we hope you can also help tell us and everyone here some that you may recently know about.
Top 3 WordPress Books
WordPress Bible
Summary: WordPress Bible is a comprehensive user guide and a handy reference tool for people who wish to experience all the potential benefits of WordPress content management system. It covers simple fundamental steps for new users, and guides professional web developers through the more advanced features.
We Reviewed this Book | View this Book on Amazon!
Professional WordPress Design and Development
Summary: Professional WordPress walks readers through the rudiments of the WordPress software and builds on the knowledge for the benefit of more advanced users. Using practical examples and in-depth information, it provides keys to unlock the great benefits of WordPress. It is a tool which gives users the edge.
We Reviewed this Book | View this Book on Amazon!
Teach Yourself VISUALLY WordPress
Summary: Teach Yourself VISUALLY WordPress is ideal for the visual learner, on account of its clarity, visual support and step-by-step instructions for getting started with WordPress. Accompanied by screen shots, it demonstrates how to handle hundreds of WordPress tasks and offers advice on employing a variety of tools and techniques to get the best outcomes for your blog.
We Reviewed this Book | View this Book on Amazon!
The post Top 5 WordPress Project Management Plugins appeared first on Project-Management.com.
from Project Management Articles – Project-Management.com http://ift.tt/Yy6aL8
via Project-Management.com
Recent Comments